A little child looks at the sky at night and ask mother "maa, what is this round thing in sky." mother replies "its our Chanda Mama". The country which has established such an intimate relationship with a celestial object moon, now stepping forward to make there relationship much closer. In other words we are moving to meet our Chanda Mama.
It is a very proud moment for all Indians when we have passed another milestone. By successful launching of PSLV from Shri Harikota we are included in the group of few nations which have capability to reach moon. We congratulate all our scientists and engineers and all the team members which are attached to the project. Still some time is required to accomplish this mission, and we are hopeful and confident that we will definitely do it without pain.
Some people ask about use of such missions? They often argue that the crores of rupees (Rs. 100 crores for this mission) can be used for another useful work like poverty eradication, welfare and development activities.
By this very expensive mission what we achieve is knowledge, experience and technical expertise to handle such a complex mission. If someone is underrating these space missions then it must be remind to them that many of new technologies and hi-tech products, electronic gadgets, safety equipments etc. they are using now are just a product of the space science.
However the major products of space research like satellites are used for benefit of people. According to G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman ISRO they are spending 80% of their economic resource for betterment of common people.
Moreover these space explorations are related to race of knowledge. In this age of knowledge one who acquires more knowledge will be the leader. One who lags behind will just be a follower. It is an established rule of human history. As you would have often heard story of an old man telling stories about his experience of world. He also gained respectful position in society due to his knowledge.
If a hungry boy asks "will this mission provide food for him".
I will tell him "no this won't. But after having your food when you raise your head at night this will give you an opportunity to proud on yourself and your nation."
